In article , Floyd Davidson
writes:

(Larry Roll K3LT) wrote:
Could it be because he knows a lot about radio?

Alun:

Well, I'm sure Carl expects that his professional RF engineering
qualifications
should grant him exalted status in the ARS, but in truth, it just ain't so!

If you ever learn enough about Amateur Radio to catch on, you'll
eat those words. Carl, if for no other reason than his
professional qualifications, though in his case he still would
fit the bill if he were instead a store clerk, is in fact a
person who does reach the status of "exalted".

Floyd:

Perhaps the difference here is that Carl is seeking "exalted" status,
and I'm not. I have never, in seriousness, described myself as anything
other than an "average" radio amateur.

SNIP

So the *only* way, in your demented opinion, to be a great Radio
Amateur, is to retain "Morse/CW" skills... No none code
licensee could ever be a good ham.

I have stated many times that it *is* possible for a "no-code" licensee
to be a good ham. However, the will be lacking the useful
communications skill of Morse/CW proficiency, and I do require then
to at least acknowledge this as a meaningful difference between
themselves and hams who do possess this skill.

No hobbiest who forgets Morse code 10 or 20 years after passing
the test could then be a better ham than you.

Why? Well, it seems to be that you still know Morse, so they
should too!

No, I have stated that they are missing (or not using) a valuable
communications skill -- a skill which confers practical communications
capability under conditions which render other modes unusable. This
is a proven, verifiable truth -- but only CW users know it to be so.

And they *must* explore and adopt new modes!

The Radio Amateur's Code states: "A radio amateur is PROGRESSIVE…
with knowledge abreast of science, a well-built and efficient station and
operation above reproach." -- Paul M. Segal, W9EEA, 1928.

So they can't
stick with AM, or SSB, or Slow Scan, or RTTY, or NBFM, or AMSAT,
or whatever (even though they *must* continue with CW), but
instead have to jump to whatever is the latest and the greatest.

What part of the above excerpt from the Radio Amateur's Code
suggests that "sticking with one mode" is "progressive?" I don't see it
that way, and I'm sure that W9EEA wouldn't have, either.

(BTW, what *is* the latest and greatest that everyone should be
doing? I'm collecting old brass triumph style straight keys and
toying with 30 year old tube radios, does that count???)

Pursuing the collection and use of old equipment is certainly a
popular pastime among radio amateurs, but if it is done to the
exclusion of advancing your communications capabilities to include
more modern, digital modes, then you are only serving to foster the
impression the public has that radio amateurs are, in fact, outdated
and NON-progressive. Is this an image you want people outside the
ARS to have of us, particularly in light of present and future
challenges to our spectrum allocations?

Their stations are truly up-to-date,

I can't even begin to define what "truly up-to-date" is. I know
some really great hams that just dearly love to use only old
tube type equipment.

And their "love" is both self-serving and likely to be detrimental
to the future of the ARS.

I had an email conversation with an old
Internet friend the other day, who just dearly loves to use and
work with old AM transmitters!

Too bad you didn't have that QSO on PSK-31, instead!

He can't, in your world, be a good Ham.

Probably not.

I'm going to have to
tell him that after 50 years, he's not an OT, he's a waste in
the Book Of Larry "Measuring Stick for All Amateur Operators"
Roll.

And he has nobody to blame but himself. I consider myself to be a
qualified judge of what makes a good radio amateur. If your OT
friend doesn't measure up, perhaps he should consider taking steps
to rectify the situation!

they have usually attained high places on the DXCC standings, routinely

Really? Even the ones who've never worked HF in their lives?
I'd bet that the majority of really great Hams since 1950 or so
have never even gotten a DXCC certificate, much less ever been
high up on the DXCC Honor Roll.

Well, I'll accept that, as long as they've made strides in VHF/UHF
modes such as EME, satellite operation, packet radio, APRS, etc.

Maybe Larry "Measuring Stick Himself" Roll like to DX?

Yes, I like to work DX.

hold leadership positions within their clubs, and can be counted on to
provide
valuable input and personal support for all club activities.

Now, that I agree is most likely true.

Thank you very much!

They are the ones
who newcomers look to for the answers, while the so-called "professional"
hams simply cluster amongst themselves and look down their noses at the
proceedings of the rest of the club.

No Larry. It is those professionals who usually *are* the ones
people look to for answers and leadership.

Sure, in some cases, they are. Not in my personal experience, however.

But yes, indeed, Carl does know a lot about radio!

And you don't.

No, I don't. I'll NEVER know enough about radio. But I'm willing to
learn!

That's one reason why he's a such a good role
model, a recognized leader, and a good Radio Amateur.

Correct. That's what makes a good radio amateur. A willingness to
learn.

73 de Larry, K3LT

And Larry is a twit.

Ah, name calling. That's what is usually brought out when the ability
to make a convincing argument dries up! Unfortunately for you, Floyd,
it also means that you lose this round!

73 de Larry, K3LT